Prairie View A&M, Howard University, NCAA Tournament Games

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 17, 2026

3 HBCUs Playing In NCAA Basketball Tournament For First Time In 32 Years

This hasn't happened since 1994.

For the first time in more than 30 years, three HBCU basketball teams—Howard University, Tennessee State University, and Prairie View A&M University—will compete in the Division I Men’s NCAA Tournament.

According to HBCU Gameday, Howard and Prairie View A&M, are seeded at No. 16, and participate in the play-in First Four tournament, which starts today. Tennessee State is a No. 15 seed in the 68-team tournament. TheGrio reported that the last time three Black colleges qualified and played in the NCAA Tournament was in 1994, when Texas Southern, Tennessee State, and North Carolina A&T made the cut.

In the Midwest bracket, Tennessee State, which will play No. 2 Iowa State in the opening round, is making its first appearance in 32 years. They won this year’s Ohio Valley Conference title (its first since 1994-1995), compiling a 15-5 conference record and 23-9 overall.

Howard University, as the No. 16 seed in its region, will face the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (No. 16 seed) on March 17 to see which team advances to the first round of the tournament to play No. 1 University of Michigan in the Midwest Bracket. Howard won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament Final and finished the season with a 23-10 record and an 11-3 conference record.

No. 16 Prairie View A&M will play No. 16 Lehigh University for the chance to go up against Florida, No. 1 in the South, in the opening round. The school posted an 18-17 overall record, went 9-9 in conference play, and took home this season’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament championship.

The first round of the NCAA Tournament starts Friday, March 21, with 64 teams. The following week will be the second round, with the Sweet 16 the week after. The championship game will take April 6.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2026

Lizzo To Drop New Children’s Book About ‘Lil Lizzo’ And Her Flute-Fueled Beginnings

The book will focus on "Lil Lizzo" and the discovery of her passion for the flute.

Lizzo is sharing more about her “origin story” with the flute through a new children’s book.

The “Good as Hell” singer has authored a children’s novel, “Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin,” making her the latest celebrity children’s book author. She announced the news and showed off the book’s cover to Gayle King on CBS Mornings.

“Everyone always asks me my origin story with the flute,” explained the Grammy winner on her inspiration to pen the book. “They’re like, ‘why flute, how flute?’ This tells the real-life story of how I started playing the flute.”

While a children’s book is a new lane for the singer-songwriter, she says the love of writing allowed her to take on the venture.

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“I love writing. Like, I have always wanted to write ‘The Great American Novel.’ I used to say that when I was a kid. And that was before the music took over,” she told King.

Instead of the next classic in literature, however, Lizzo opted to write Billboard hits. Now, she has returned to her initial writing roots while inspiring children to follow their hearts, just as she did with the flute.

She called the novel a “beautiful marriage of everything that’s me.” As for the book’s title, Lizzo took inspiration from another artist’s alter ego. She compared Beyoncé’s on-stage persona, Sasha Fierce, to how she felt when she began to play the flute.

“Sasha, there was a time, so there was, Beyoncé is like such an inspiration to me, especially when I was younger growing up,” said Lizzo. “And she had her alter ego. She was like, I’m Beyoncé, but then on stage I’m Sasha Fierce. And I was like, oh, that’s so funny because to me I felt like the flute.”

Because of her grind to become a rapper, the 37-year-old entertainer felt she had to split that persona from her life as a flutist. Thus, she created her own version of “Sasha Fierce,” named “Sasha B. Flootin,” that young readers will soon discover.

She continued,” I had split into two different worlds when I was going to college for flute. And when I wanted to be a rapper in the Houston scene. I felt like I had to choose between the two. So I was like Sasha, or the flute will be my alter ego.”

Lizzo says the children’s book will also encourage children to build confidence and find their voice. The Houston native wants little readers to explore all their passions and trust themselves to pursue their dreams.

“This is a story about finding your voice. And the only way to find your voice is by being yourself and trusting yourself,” Lizzo said. “ It doesn’t matter where you are, who you know. At the end of the day, it’s always going to be about you. And by the end of the story, hopefully.”

For fans waiting to get their hands on Lizzo’s latest project, “Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flootin’” will release Sept. 8.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 17, 2026

Barack Obama Set To Appear In Larry David’s New Sketch Comedy Show That Mocks America

During the SXSW festival, film director and television writer Jeff Schaffer touched on what it was like working with the duo for the show, with Obama and David continuously taking digs at each other.

As if America couldn’t get enough of the first Black president, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to make his acting debut in a new HBO Max sketch comedy show mocking the country ahead of its 250th anniversary, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Obama will appear in an episode of Larry David’s, creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm,” latest show titled, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America.” Joined by a hilarious comedic ensemble, including award-winning actors such as J.B. Smoove and Kathryn Hahn, Obama will not only star in the show but also work behind the scenes as producer alongside his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama.

David first announced that he was working with the presidential couple in 2025, but as the country embraces a grand celebration, the famous creator put his own spin on it using the unique logline: “President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America’s 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion… But then Larry David called.”

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President Donald Trump allegedly has a grand celebration ahead of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4. Still, Obama says nothing compares to what he has cooking with David, who is known for his groundbreaking work on the hit sitcom, “Seinfeld.”

“I’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,” the president said in a statement.

“Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.”

As Obama is known for his great sense of humor, it will be interesting to see him on the small screen. During the SXSW festival, film director and television writer Jeff Schaffer touched on what it was like to work with the duo on the show, with Obama and David continually taking digs at each other. “He was ragging on your golf game, ragging on how much sunscreen you wear,” Schaffer said during a panel featuring David, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“I said, ‘I’m sorry my father wasn’t born in Kenya,’” the famous writer responded.

With the back-and-forth banter, David said he made it clear what his role was during production, as both men are used to being in charge. “I’m used to being the boss. Obama is also quite used to being the boss. We came to a bit of a loggerhead there,” he said.

He said there was a point where he turned to the former White House occupant and said, “I’m president here.”

Scheduled to premiere on June 26, fans seem excited to see Obama in a different light, leaving words of encouragement on social media and planning to tune in. “Obama has a great sense of humor! I look forward to this,” @angiedot25 wrote on IG.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2026

Tax Preparers In Metro Atlanta Accused Of Faking Documents, Keeping Money Clients Owed To IRS

Whitlan Tax Service allegedly scammed customers by never filing their tax returns.

Tax preparers in Metro Atlanta are under investigation after allegedly faking documents and keeping clients’ money owed to the IRS.

Customers of Whitlan Tax Service initially thought that their tax returns were being filed with the government. However, IRS notices made them realize that their due pay never went to Uncle Sam. Instead, they allege the business’s owners, Jahaya King and her husband, ran off with their money.

Now, disgruntled customers have called out King and her husband for the shady service. Meanwhile, many still owe thousands to the IRS and state agencies for the unpaid taxes.

WSB-TV uncovered that the tax preparation company also failed to meet the proper federal requirements. Tax preparers must have the Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN, to file the returns. Upon this additional discovery, scammed customers called the matter “wicked” as they dealt with the consequences.

Not only are the customers upset with Whitlan Tax Service, but they are also more apprehensive about trusting small businesses with important matters.

“It’s very sad, and it also hurts my trust in small businesses,” expressed one anonymous customer.

Another customer, Donna Hines, gave the Whitlan Tax Service $15,000 to cover the taxes for her elderly grandmother. She told police that she sent the money directly to King and her husband, expecting them to handle the filing. However, the tax debt has yet to be settled, leaving Hines with even more money owed due to penalties.

“If I had paid it on time, it would have been about $6,500,” Hines said. “Because of the penalties and the delay and no processing of her information, it is now $28,000.

King and her husband also sold dreams of hefty tax returns to keep clients around. However, this notion is considered a major red flag for tax preparers.

“A legitimate tax preparer is going to review your files, review your income, ask questions and not make any personal guarantees or promises,” tax expert Shana Pope shared.

Others claim they were further hoodwinked by King, with customers having incomplete or amended tax returns that left actual tax professionals unable to sift through the documents.

However, their woes serve as a cautionary tale for other taxpayers about working with professional, certified tax preparers this season.

“When the IRS comes after their money, their penalties, et cetera, they come to the taxpayer, not the tax preparer,” Pope said.

King and her husband have managed to evade customers’ complaints, allegedly hiding in their home amid the controversy. The IRS and South Fulton police have launched investigations into complaints surrounding the Whitlan Tax Service, with the owners potentially facing charges of theft by deception.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 17, 2026

Alabama’s Aden Holloway Arrested For Marijuana Possession Days Before Start Of NCAA Tournament

He has been hit with two felony charges: first-degree possession of marijuana, not for personal use, and failure to affix a tax stamp.

As the University of Alabama men’s basketball team prepares for its first-round matchup against Hofstra University for the start of the NCAA Tournament, it will be without one of its best players, Aden Holloway, who has been arrested after being hit with two felony charges: first-degree possession of marijuana, not for personal use, and failure to affix a tax stamp.

According to The Associated Press, the 21-year-old student-athlete was arrested after a search by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force near the school’s campus. During the visit, law enforcement “recovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia and cash,” Tuscaloosa police spokesperson Stephanie Taylor stated in an email.

The arrest took place on March 16, when Holloway was taken to jail before 10 a.m. and was released less than an hour later on a $5,000 bond. If convicted of the most serious charge of possession, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.

Alabama released a written statement saying that Holloway was “removed” from campus while the investigation into the case is underway.

“The University is aware of the allegations and is working to gather more information,” the school wrote in a statement. “The student has been removed from campus pending further investigation by the UA Office of Student Conduct.”

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Holloway, who is a sophomore, is the team’s second leading scorer at 16.8 points a game, and was leading the team in 3-point shooting as one of the starters. The guard is making 43.1% of his shots behind the 3-point line. The post-season tournament, also known as March Madness, starts March 16, for the battle to be called the best team in college basketball.

Alabama, which has a record of 23-9, is the No. 4 seed in the tournament, and its first-round opener will be in Tampa, Florida, against Long Island’s Hofstra University.

The coach, Nate Oats, doesn’t seem worried about the team’s performance in the tournament.

“If we’re going to lose a guy, losing him in the backcourt is the place where we got the most depth,” Oats said. “I told the guys that this team, more than any I’ve coached, is equipped to handle a situation like this. We’ve won plenty of games with guys not available, so they’ll be ready.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2026

Kiki Shepard, Beloved ‘Showtime at the Apollo’ Co-Host, Dies at 74 After Sudden Heart Attack

Many are mourning the death of Kiki Shepard at 74, the longtime co-host of "Showtime at the Apollo."

Many are mourning the sudden loss of Kiki Shepard, the legendary “Showtime at the Apollo” co-host, who died at 74 after suffering a sudden heart attack.

News of Shepard’s passing was confirmed on March 16, when her representative, LaShirl Smith, said she suffered a massive heart attack in Los Angeles, calling her death completely unexpected, TMZ reports. Following the announcement, Shepard’s family and the KIS Foundation—which she founded two decades ago—released a statement in her remembrance.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved KiKi Shepard, cherished Sister, Auntie, friend, and an unwavering advocate for those living with sickle cell disease,” the statement reads.

Shepard rose to prominence as a longtime co-host of “Showtime at the Apollo” from 1987 to 2002, becoming a household name as she introduced aspiring performers at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater. Over the years, she shared hosting duties with stars like Sinbad, Steve Harvey, and Mark Curry, earning praise from audiences for her dynamic presence.

By the time she began co-hosting Showtime at the Apollo, Shepard was already a seasoned entertainer. She launched her career as a professional dancer in the early 1970s, performing worldwide, including with the D.C. Repertory Dance Company.

She went on to build a steady presence in Hollywood, appearing in shows such as “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” “NYPD Blue,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” as well as the film “Blackjack Christmas.” Shepard also made her mark on Broadway with roles in productions like “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Reggae,” “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God,” and “Porgy and Bess.”

Beyond the stage, she was committed to giving back and raising awareness about sickle cell disease through her KIS Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit she founded to support and advocate for families affected by the condition—a cause deeply personal to her.

“KiKi believed that compassion, community, and education could change lives,” her family shared in the statement. “Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding for those living with this disease.”

Shepard is survived by her sister, a nephew, and two nieces, and her family says she will be remembered as “our guiding light—strong, loving, joyful, and endlessly generous.”

“To the community she served, she was a tireless champion and a source of inspiration,” they added.

While the family said they are “heartbroken by this loss,” they remain committed to honoring her legacy by continuing the KIS Foundation’s work in service and advocacy for the sickle cell community.

The popular hostess was also recently honored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2026

Tasha K Launches GoFundMe, Asks Internet To Help Pay Down Millions Owed To Cardi B

Tasha K is now reaching out to her "Winos" community to help her pay down the damages owed to the rapper.

Latasha Kebe, better known as Tasha K, is leaning on the internet’s support to help her pay the defamation judgment she owes Cardi B.

The blogger has launched a GoFundMe amid her hefty monthly payments to the Bronx rapper. The two parties were in a long legal battle over gossip Tasha K spread about Cardi B on her infamous blog.

Now, Tasha has called on her “Winos” community to help her through this financial strain she brought on herself. While claiming to have initially refused help, Tasha K finally relented after apparent conversations with her followers.

“For years, many of you have asked me to start a fundraiser to help me pay off the judgment against me. I always refused because I believed it was my responsibility to handle it on my own. But after many conversations with you all, I’m finally listening,” she wrote on the page’s description.

Cardi sued the blogger in 2019 for slander, alleging defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The 2022 result of the case left Tasha K owing the Grammy winner around $4 million in damages and legal fees.

However, that debt became overwhelming for Tasha K’s pockets. Previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, the blogger even filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 to free up funds for the payments.

Last March, the two parties agreed to a payment plan where Tasha K would pay the rapper around $1.2 million over the next five years. Under this plan, Tasha K must make court-ordered payments of $20,000 a month, giving Cardi B $176,000 total in the first year alone.

She added, “This fundraiser is being created for one purpose only, to pay down the judgment debt so I can close this chapter and move forward without constant legal distractions.”

However, Tasha K still plans to pull her weight and keep her personal payments on schedule, regardless of the GoFundMe’s success. This amount is also a mere fraction of the total due to Cardi B.

She also says the constant owing is putting her into deeper financial distress, as creditors bring her back to court for more filings. The blogger says this legal hassle has added to the fees on her tight budget.

Tasha K continued, “I don’t have $3.5 million sitting in cash, but with the help of my community, we can accelerate paying this off so I can finally move forward and focus on creating, reporting, and entertaining without constant interruption.”

However, supporters could get more bang for their buck, with Tasha K announcing merch incentives for the “Winos” who chip in. The 44-year-old, who celebrated a birthday on March 10, also said how the only gift she wants is to “put this chapter behind me.”

As of March 17, the GoFundMe has raised over $10,500 of its $3.5 million goal.

Juliana Stratton, Illinois, Senate, lieutenant governor

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 17, 2026

Jesse Jackson’s Family Walks Back ‘Unauthorized’ Endorsement Of Juliana Stratton

The mix-up couldn't come at a worse time, as it could cause more confusion for Black Democratic voters.

The family of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson is walking back an endorsement ahead of Illinois’ March 17 primary election, touted by Illinois Lieutenant Governor and Senate candidate, Juliana Stratton, after claiming endorsements from the late civil rights leader weren’t done prior to his death, Politico reported.

The reported confusion stemmed from Stratton’s observation that the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson’s organization, distributed sample ballots on March 14 that endorsed Stratton as the candidate.

“[Jackson’s] example has been a north star for me, and I’m deeply honored to have received his trust, support, and endorsement before his passing,” Stratton said in a statement.

While Jackson’s son and Rainbow’s CEO, Yusef, doesn’t deny that his father “began the process of reviewing candidates and identifying those he intended to support in the upcoming primary election” prior to his death, he claimeddefint the ballots were unauthorized, meaning the endorsement isn’t valid.

“However, given his passing just over a month ago, the process was never fully completed,” Jackson said.

“Out of respect for my father, we decided not to publicly release his intended selections given the process had not been finalized.”

However, Stratton isn’t backing down from the narrative that she had the endorsement in her hand, claiming she was informed at the event that she could share the announcement.

“Juliana spoke on Saturday at Rainbow PUSH for a Women’s History Month event, and officials told her she received the endorsements. Organizers shared the sample election ballot that was already being distributed and encouraged her to share the news,” her team said in a statement, according to The Hill.

But in a back-and-forth, Jackson labeled the issue as “unforeseen controversy, unfortunately revolved around one candidate in particular.” He did clarify that his family “did not withdraw or retract our endorsement of any one candidate” as “we made clear that the document shared this weekend was not final.”

The mix-up couldn’t come at a worse time, as it could cause more confusion for Black Democratic voters. Stratton and fellow candidate Rep. Robin Kelly both have their eyes on taking over for Sen. Dick Durbin, who is retiring.

With Stratton’s eye-catching “F*** Trump” campaign video, some voters are concerned that the lieutenant governor and Kelly could split the primary vote, which could open doors for Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) to secure the nomination.

While her campaign says “Juliana is spending the final hours of this campaign talking to voters and making sure every Illinoisan hears how she plans to take on Donald Trump and bring their voices to Washington,” a poll shows that a majority of Democratic voters want a candidate that leans more towards their values – 56% to be exact. Forty-two percent want the candidate with the best chance of winning a general election.

by Mitti Hicks

March 17, 2026

Cubas Experiencing Island-Wide Black Out Amid Energy Crisis

This marks the third major blackout in Cuba in just four months.

Cuba is experiencing islandwide blackouts as the country grapples with an economic and energy crisis, as its power grid crumbles. On X, the Ministry of Energy and Mines tweeted that there is a “complete disconnection” of the country’s electrical system and that it would be investigating the outages.

According to the Associated Press, Lazara Guerra, the ministry’s electricity director, told state media that crews are trying to reboot several thermoelectric plants, which are key to restoring power on the island.

“It must be done gradually to avoid setbacks,” Guerra stated. “Systems, when weak, are more susceptible to failure.”

This marks the third major blackout in Cuba in just four months. While the country is facing challenges with eroding infrastructure that have led to daily outages, Cuban officials are also blaming its problems on a U.S. energy blockade. President Donald Trump warned of tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba.

Cubans are in a tough spot. The Trump administration is demanding that leaders release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization in return for lifting the sanctions. Even more worrisome is Trump’s calls for a “friendly takeover of Cuba.”

“I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it,” Trump said on Monday about Cuba. He added that the island is a “very weakened nation.”

The Trump administration wants Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to step down as the United States negotiates with the Cuban government about the island nation’s future, the New York Times reports.

Without coming to an agreement, Cuban residents will continue to struggle with a lack of power.

“We have to prepare a mattress for the girls here so that they can sleep here because we have no choice,” Yuneici Cecilia Riviaux told the Associated Press.

William LeoGrande, professor at the American University, who has tracked Cuba for years, told the publication that the country’s energy grid has not been properly maintained. He added that the infrastructure is “way past its normal useful life.”

YouTube, AI, fake news, Black celebrities

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2026

YouTube To Allow Politicians, Government Officials, And Journalists To Have Likeness Removed From AI-Generated Content

YouTube will begin allowing certain public figures to request the removal of AI-generated content that uses their likeness.

YouTube is expanding its crackdown on AI-generated content.

On March 10, YouTube announced it is expanding its likeness detection pilot—previously available to creators in the YouTube Partner Program—to include government officials, journalists, and political candidates. The tool, similar to Content ID, scans for a participant’s likeness in AI-generated content.

If a match is found, such as a deepfake using their face, the individual can review the video and request its removal if it violates the platform’s privacy guidelines.

“This expansion is really about the integrity of the public conversation,” said Leslie Miller, YouTube’s vice president of Government Affairs and Public Policy, in a press briefing. “We know that the risks of AI impersonation are particularly high for those in the civic space. But while we are providing this new shield, we’re also being careful about how we use it,” she noted.

While not every flagged video will be removed, YouTube said each request will be reviewed under its existing privacy policies. The company will assess whether the content qualifies as parody or political commentary—forms of expression that are protected. The pilot program is designed to balance free speech with the growing risks posed by AI tools capable of creating convincing likenesses of public figures.

“There’s a lot of content that’s produced with AI, but that distinction’s actually not material to the content itself,” explained Amjad Hanif, YouTube’s vice president of creator products, as to the label’s placement. “It could be a cartoon that is generated with AI. And so I think there’s a judgment on whether it’s a category that maybe merits from a very visible disclaimer,” he said.

Alongside tightening its rules on AI-generated content, YouTube is also pushing for federal protections by backing the NO FAKES Act in Washington, D.C. The proposed law would regulate the use of AI to create unauthorized versions of a person’s voice or likeness. YouTube also plans to expand its deepfake detection tools to cover recognizable voices and other intellectual property, including popular characters.